I’ve just seen a letter sent to an author who has published books under Hachette’s imprints in some territories and with Tor Books and its sister companies in other territories (Tor is part of Macmillan). The letter, signed by Hachette’s U.K. CEO Ursula Mackenzie, explains to the author that Hachette has “acquired exclusive publication rights in our territories from you in good faith,” but warns that in other territories, Tor’s no-DRM policy “will make it difficult for the rights granted to us to be properly protected.” Hachette’s proposed solution: that the author insist Tor use DRM on these titles. “We look forward to hearing what action you propose taking.”

And return the money Hachette paid? It seems a reasonable concern, to me.

Edit: Actually forget that. It's early. I can't see any relationship between DRM and geo-restriction. If Tor US sell something to me in the UK, then it doesn't make any difference whether it is DRMed or not.

Edit: Actually forget that. It's early. I can't see any relationship between DRM and geo-restriction. If Tor US sell something to me in the UK, then it doesn't make any difference whether it is DRMed or not.

Exactly. DRM'd or not makes zero difference to if someone gets around geo-restrictions or not.

Everyone knows that if Tor use DRM in the regions hatchette doesn't have rights to, that it will prevent any pirated copies becoming available. You're all delusional to think otherwise. DRM works. There will never be a way to strip DRM and upload a stripped copy for others to download.

The author in question should write back saying:

"I agree fully with what you said in your letter. It's absolutely pointless Hatchette using DRM on books when the pirates can simply buy the book from Tor and share that. I couldn't agree more. In order to rectify the situation please remove all DRM from any of my books that you sell."